Goodbye To Another Joss Whedon Show

The moral compass points wrong, it's hard to figure out who to root for, and your emotions are twisted inside and out before the end of each show. Those could be some of the reasons why people don't watch the show. Some people have also said that the plot holes are too blatant and sloppy to ignore.

It's sloppy, I agree. I have to, because even I'm not that much of a blind fanatic.

But these are the reasons why I loved the show. Not the sloppy part, but the hard-to-figure-moral-compass-inside-and-out-emotions part. Dollhouse was compelling because it didn't spoon feed me bullshit about how this is wrong, this is right, and this is what you must learn. It challenged me, provoked me, pissed me off, broke my heart, made me fall in love with each character despite how much I hated their ignoble guts at the same time.

It played with my insides.

And lo and behold, FOX just had to cancel it just when we were getting to the thick of it.

Fortunately, even they aren't stupid enough to cut us off high and dry, the rest of the second season will finish off during December. That's something at least, never enough of course, but something. I keep hoping that people will come to their senses, start watching, and eventually the show will be miraculously renewed for a third season. That would be a hell of a Christmas gift, to all Dollhouse fans.

Here's to hoping.

Do You Wanna Date Her Avatar?

It's the internet princess herself, Felicia Day, in a ridiculously brilliant music video to promote the 3rd season of her hit web series "The Guild." Felicia Day (from Buffy, Dr. Horrible, Dollhouse... Bring It On Again) isn't a mainstream name, but if you claim to be a member of the worldwide geekdom, then there's no excusable reason why you haven't heard of her by now. However, if you've been busy with work/school, family, exercise, and other activities of daily living (i.e. boring stuff), then now is the time to acquaint yourself with the online wonder of one Ms. Felicia Day.

The Guild is a nerdgasmic type of funny. It's not meant for people who have no idea what MMORPG stands for, nor people who think that potions are those things that make people fall in love. Don't let the audacious geekiness scare you though, if you don't mind a little confusion, then let yourself madly LOL and watch The Guild!

Here's the first episode:

Save the Dollhouse

Alright friends from the US of A, it's all up to you guys to save this fledgling of a genius show. The live ratings haven't been too kind on Dollhouse, thankfully, FOX has said that they understand that DVR and online ratings have to be considered as well, which is only fair since they stuck Dollhouse in a terrible Friday time slot. If you're absolutely unable to watch Dollhouse during its run on Fridays at 9/8pm, then watch it on HULU.

The recent episodes, particularly "Man on the Street," "Echoes," "Needs," and "A Spy in the House of Love," have been especially wow-worthy. Don't be dismayed by the conservatives, this show is meant to provoke and offend. How can it not when it's about the manipulation and trafficking of human identity? How can it not when it confronts the basic human desires, instincts, and "evils"?

Some Dollhouse fans have come up with a promotion to help the show called:

Watch Dollhouse Week.

Dollhouse is, without a doubt, a controversial show. It's a show that almost always leaves you with a trembling stomach. It's a good feeling. Gives you a split-second glimpse of your own humanity.

Right now the decision is still up in the air on whether there will be a second season, that's why fans can't fall asleep!

Here's the link for the latest episode trailer.

Remember: watch Joss Whedon's Dollhouse on FOX every Fridays at 9/8pm, OR watch it online on Hulu.

I STILL want the Dollhouse

The premiere of the wildly anticipated show Dollhouse last February 13 was, admittedly, lukewarm. Lots of good, with an equal amount of "eh." The first ten minutes of the premiere episode, Ghost, was way too forced. That first little chat between Topher (Fran Kranz) and Boyd (Harry J. Lennix) was blatantly used for educating the audience about the set-up. It was like FOX expected the audience to be too stupid to get the premise. To be fair though, it was kind of needed. I get what they're trying to do, they want to reel in as much viewers as possible, so right now their storytelling is basically...well, basic. They want people to see the show and immediately get it, without too much of a headache. That's nice of them, but first of all, they should have expected Joss Whedon fans to be smarter that their average watcher. Haha, get it? Watcher.

Right.

And, despite the obvious tampering of the network executives, Ghost just isn't as bad most are making it out to be. It was actually good, not great, not bad, but good.

The second episode, The Target, was way better. More action, more backstory, more character introductions, more reasons why we should care. Extra kudos for bringing in Matt Keeslar, I love The Middleman! At this point, we get a glimpse of why Echo is the protagonist of the story.

(Harry J. Lennix as Boyd, Eliza Dushku as Echo, and Fran Kranz as Topher)

The third and latest episode, Stage Fright, is quite frankly, the worst. More of the cliched superstar "I want to be free" drama with obsessive and weird fans type of a story. The parallels of the Rayna character and Echo are obvious, but Rayna attracts very little sympathy (really, none). Although I loved the twist about Luboz (Enver Gjokaj), I wasn't necessarily surprised, after all I've been following the progress of the Dollhouse production, but it was awesome nonetheless.

Needless to say, Dollhouse has its ups and middles, but I haven't wavered in my optimism. Okay, I have. But only when I read those traitorous "fans" harshly criticisizing the show. But no matter what, I'm sticking by the Dollhouse. How could I not? I was ignorant enough to only learn about Buffy the Vampire Slayer during its 4th season, and I didn't even know about Firefly until I was flabbergasted by the awesomeness of Serenity. I'm not about to make the mistake of missing out on more Joss Whedon's genius. Plus, girls kicking major ass every week? Sounds like my kind of show.

Dollhouse can only get better, and despite some stumbles, it really does seem like the show is slowly but surely finding its stride. As for Eliza Dushku, so far she has done no wrong. I doubt she'll be brilliant in everything, but maybe there's an actual chance she'll prove me, and everyone else, wrong. At least Whedon seems to think so.

I actually can't wait for the 6th episode and onwards. Eliza Dushku has repeatedly said that the first 5 episodes were somewhat tailored for the FOX network's approval, and that the remaining episodes are where Whedon's novelist capabilities finally show. The themes are intriguing enough, questions like "Who are you without your memories?," "In the grand scheme of things, how much is one person worth?" and "Does personality make the person?" are already being subtly asked, and it can only sink deeper and induce more headaches. Good, healthy headaches, of course.

And for those who are ignorant, stupid, annoying enough to ask the infamous question "How will the audience relate/cheer for a heroine (Echo) who is a different character every week?"

Why don't you stop asking that question and actually watch the show and find out?

The February Trail

New movie trailers! Mostly big blockbuster effects type films that cater more to thrill impact rather than substance, but we the audience love them anyway.

Franklyn
I have no idea what this is about. But it reminds me V for Vendetta, albeit an extra prettier version. Btw, I love V for Vendetta.
Release: February 20, 2009

Terminator Salvation
In this film we finally get a glimpse of the oh-so infamous after effects of judgment day. Plus, we'll all see the rebel leader fighting(/training?) the rookie who will be his future father in past who died while saving his mother after he knocked her up with him. Haha, just had to type that out.
Release: May 22, 2009




Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen
Bigger robots, bigger action, bigger film? Definitely. Better? Eh. Remains to be seen.
Release: June 26, 2009




G.I Joe: Rise of the Cobra
Definitely looks cool, but I'm a little worried about the over the top computer graphics, too much CGI does not make a nice eye candy. Speaking of eye candies, Channing Tatum anyone?
Release: August 7, 2009




Dollhouse
And for a different kind of treat, we have a tv promo! There has been a huge hype about this upcoming tv show, Dollhouse, and I have to say that I'm quite excited myself. It premieres this February 13, 2009 on the US television network, FOX. I just hope FOX won't cancel this like they did Joss Whedon's other awesome show, Firefly. The show stars Eliza Dushku, Olivia Williams, Tahmoh Penikett, Harry J. Lennix, Fran Kraz, Dichen Lachman, and Amy Acker.

***

And remember folks, don't judge a movie by its trailer!

The November Trail

Another movie trailers post, enjoy!

Star Trek
Wasn't really a fan and didn't know much about it, and I won't deny that Chris Pine is currently the best incentive for watching this. But the trailer makes me want to watch it even more now.
Opens May 8, 2009.

The Spirit
Another film by Frank Miller (300, Sin City). Really, do I need to say more?
Opens Christmas 2008.



2012
A disaster drama. Those are always fun. It stars John Cusack. He's...okay? Can't wait to see more of this.
Opens July 10, 2009.

Race to Witch Mountain
Apparently this is based on a series. It seems like a different kind of Disney Film, I'm kinda intrigued. Superpowers are always a win. Plus, it has The Rock!
Opens March 13, 2009.

Dollhouse
Okay, first of all, NOT a movie, but definitely one of the most watch worthy things coming out next year. This is a Joss Whedon creation my friends. And it also helps that the gorgeous Eliza Dushku and hunky Tahmoh Penikett is in it.
Coming this January 2009

DOLLHOUSE focuses on a secret organization that employs "Actives" -- a group of operatives who have their memories and personalities wiped clean so they can be imprinted with new ones, allowing them to take on various missions for hire

And remember folks, don't judge a movie by its trailer!

"Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog" Film Review

Dr. Horrible is Incredible

I finally, finally, watched Dr. Horrible. Of course, most Joss Whedon fans would have already watched this movie about a million times now, but I, as the utter idiot that I am, failed to watch Dr. Horrible during its free viewing in July. Thankfully, a kind, lovely, super awesome, (I am forever grateful to) friend gave me a copy.

Dr. Horrible is a 2008 short musical movie that was created by Joss Whedon, with his siblings Jed and Zack Whedon, and Maurissa Tancharoen. It stars Neil Patrick Harris, Felicia Day, Nathan Filion, and Simon Helberg, with several cameos from directors and actors close to Joss Whedon.

As usual, Whedon manages to capture the audience's hearts and makes them fall in love with the characters. And of course, as usual, Whedon breaks our hearts at the exact same time. The music is brilliant. Felicia Day's sweet and heart rendering vocals coupled with Neil Patrick Harris' honest and vulnerable voice is amazing. I can't stop listening to "On The Rise."

Dr. Horrible is a funny, not so straightforward musical, that can twist your insides in the end. Like most of any work Joss Whedon is involved in, this movie makes you laugh out loud and root for the "bad guy," it absolutely entertains you and makes you feel smart when you can relate the antics to societal/personal issues, then it quickly leaves you off with a large lump in your throat that you either swallow or burp out with a chuckle. However you take it though, Dr. Horrible will leave you feeling full, and yet definitely still craving for more.

Joss. Is. God.

And I want a PHD in horribleness.